[Marilyn]

Lindsey, you might consider crate training Layla. It's really not cruel at all. Zoe uses a crate when we travel and when I go to set it up, she wants inside so bad she gets in the way. It's like her little room. Her's is the black wire kind, so she can see out and not feel trapped in. I often put a beach towel over it so it's like her cave. She goes nuts over anything with stuffing in it, and wants to hump it and growls if anyone comes near, so insted of a stuffed pad, I just fold a fluffy beach towel for the bottom and have a water bowl that clamps inside. Toss in one of her favorite toys and she's in good shape, and I don't have to worry about my friend's or family's floors when we are out shopping and such.

I used to put the dogs in crates while we were at work and they did fine. I'd leave them with water and little dry kibble. Hubby was able to let them out at lunch most of the time, but once in a while, they'd be there all day and they did fine. They were really anxious to use the potty when we got home though, and once in a while would have an accident, but by using towels in the crate, it's not hard to clean up if they do have an accident.

We are planning to get our house ready to sell, and may put new carpet in our living room and master bedroom, so if we do, ours will probably be back to being crated during the day.

Hope this helps. Most of the time when we are away from out pets, they are sleeping anyway. I don't know how they can sleep sooo long!!